A trip to this city would not be complete without a visit to its ancient castles and golden beaches

Cascais

Cascais

This coastal town, located only 15 miles west of Lisbon, used to be a fishing village. There is even a story speculating that a navigator from Cascais discovered America 10 years before Columbus. Today, Cascais, together with neighboring Estoril, is an upscale resort destination favored by celebrities and European royalty that has gorgeous beaches, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca

No trip to Lisbon can be complete without a visit to the westernmost point of Europe. With the exception of a small souvenir shop, Cabo da Roca has remained untouched by commercial activity. The words of Portugal's greatest poet, Luís de Camões, are engraved on a marble monument erected on the edge of a cliff here. They read: "Here, where the land ends and the sea begins." Bring along a jacket, as the ocean breezes can be chilly even during the hottest months.